robert_cringely
Columnist

Dell’s hot new line of business

analysis
Jul 16, 20071 min

Cringe regular D. F. believes he may have discovered how Dell plans to turn itself around - by engaging in new and more provocative side businesses. D. F., an east coast reseller, asked Dell for a couple of quotes on systems for his clients. All was well until he called the toll-free phone number listed for the Dell sales rep and was treated a recorded message inviting him to "jump into fun exciting live ta

Cringe regular D. F. believes he may have discovered how Dell plans to turn itself around – by engaging in new and more provocative side businesses.

D. F., an east coast reseller, asked Dell for a couple of quotes on systems for his clients. All was well until he called the toll-free phone number listed for the Dell sales rep and was treated a recorded message inviting him to “jump into fun exciting live talk now” for just $2.99 a minute.

Either that, or Dell customer support now answers the phone with “Hey there sexy guy, welcome to an exciting new way to go live one on one with hot horny girls just dying to talk to you.” (Which would be a heck of an improvement, if you ask me.)

D. F. says that when he said he wanted a laptop, Dell must have thought he asked for a lapdance. Happens to me all the time, only usually in reverse.

Does your hardware company talk dirty to you? Share your secrets below or email them to me here. Operators are standing by…